Five Seasons Family Sports Club Blog

If there's one thing that can kill your enthusiasm for exercise more than anything else, it's slipping into a workout rut. This is fairly easy to do, even for the most well-intentioned among us. Many times we can unconsciously drift into a comfort zone simply because it's easier for us to do what we already know than to disrupt our daily routine by venturing out into uncharted territory. Unfortunately, this can lead to stale exercise routines that no longer challenge us, which can often produce boredom and dread - and even stall weight loss. If you've ever been in a workout rut, read on!

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to shake up your regular routine and rejuvenate your desire to remain active. One of the best ways to inject new life into your workouts is to try a new sport. Not only will learning a new sport challenge your body in new ways, but it will also feel more like play than work, which makes it all the more enjoyable. Below are some great sports you can try to break free from your workout rut.

Volleyball - If you favor team sports, volleyball is an excellent activity to try because it can be done indoors or outdoors, making it perfect for all seasons. Not only is volleyball a great cardiovascular workout, but it will help you improve your balance and hand-eye coordination as well.

Biking - The great thing about biking or cycling is that you can do it with friends or by yourself. Biking allows you to get some fresh air and enjoy the local scenery at the same time. You'll definitely work your thighs, calves and glutes as well, all the while getting a chance to clear your head.

Frisbee Golf - Also referred to as disc golf or "Frolf," frisbee golf is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while perfecting a game of skill and accuracy. The object of the game is to toss a frisbee into an somewhat odd-looking basket positioned on an upright pole. You're normally required to be at a certain distance away from the basket, making it more difficult to make the shot. Much like traditional golf, your overall goal is to go through the entire course hitting all targets in the fewest number of throws possible. Walking from one target to the next is great exercise, and it's a fun activity to do with a group of friends as well.

Swimming - If there's one exercise that can work practically every muscle in your body, it's swimming. Although the competitive side of swimming focuses on beating certain time-specific goals, you can go for a swim and still get great exercise. Five Seasons offers both indoor and outdoor pool facilities, so you can enjoy swimming any time of the year.

Archery - If you're ready to channel your inner Legolas (or Katniss Everdeen, take your pick), find out where your nearest archery center is and pay a visit. While archery is not the most physically demanding sport, it does require significant arm and shoulder strength to draw a high-tension bowstring and keep the bow steady. One of the main benefits of archery is its ability to improve your concentration and coordination. It's also highly rewarding to hone your skills to the point where you're hitting your targets consistently.

Tennis - One of the most beneficial sports in existence is tennis, for a number of important reasons: It develops your arm and leg muscles, it gives you a fantastic cardiovascular workout, it sharpens your hand-eye coordination, and due to its tactical nature, it gives your mind a great workout as well. You don't have to have a lightning-fast serve or a scorching backhand to enjoy the game of tennis, either; you can volley around with a friend, or even engage in some fun doubles matches. And learning tennis is something you can benefit from at any age. Five Seasons has outdoor hard courts, outdoor clay courts and indoor air-conditioned courts, so weather will never have to be a factor when you're ready to get your game on.

So get out of that rut! Learning a new sport is a great thing to do, because it provides you with a healthy challenge and keeps your mind sharp. Consider trying out any one of the above sports, or simply think about a sport you've always wanted to try, and do that. You really can't lose regardless of which route you take, because you'll grow from the learning process no matter what.